ThisWeek CW 11/06/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/11/03/groveport-observance-unsung-heroes-to-be-remembered-on-veterans-day.html
This year’s annual Groveport Veterans Day program will go beyond just honoring the men and women who served, with Ed Reeves reminding guests of the pivotal role service dogs have played as well.
The Veterans Day program will begin at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Park, 421 Main St.
Reeves, who was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969, served through July 4, 1971.
After attending basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., he volunteered to serve as a scout dog handler in Vietnam as the point man with the 33rd Scout Dog Platoon, 4th Infantry Division at An Khe and the 47th Scout Dog Platoon, 101st Airborne Infantry Division at Phu Bai.
“This year’s ceremony is going to be extra special because our main speaker will talk to us about some of the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War,” organizer and Motts Military Museum director Warren Motts said.
“Ed’s dog, Prince, along with the other service dogs, saved thousands of lives during the war. Ed’s a humble man but he has a great story to tell about these animals and Vietnam.”
Reeves, now retired from the U.S. Postal Service, lives in Grove City with his family and works as a volunteer at the museum.
Motts will be this year’s master of ceremonies, opening the program and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
On the agenda for this year’s observance is the Madison Township Honor Guard, led by Capt. James Dean, leading the flag-raising; vocalist Udo Maroscher of the U.S. Navy, performing the national anthem; and the Rev. Arthur “Chip” Koch of Groveport United Methodist Church, who will provide the invocation.
Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp will welcome guests; Garry Ball of the U.S. Air Force will recognize new park honorees William T. Eddy, Frank Koenig and John W. Price; and the Groveport Police Department Honor Guard, led by Sgt. Josh Short, will perform a 21-gun salute.
Last year’s event drew around 100 people; Motts said he hopes more will attend this year to remember and honor the debt paid by veterans for the freedoms Americans enjoy.
“Every day should be Veterans Day because all of our freedoms are the result of their service,” Motts said. “When you join the military, you sign a piece of paper saying you give up everything, including possibly your life, to defend our freedom. I’m not sure people think about that, but I think they should.”
Groveport Community Affairs Director and event organizer Patty Storts agrees.
“It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of all America’s military veterans, past and present, because their contributions and sacrifices have allowed all Americans to be free,” she said.
Immediately following the ceremony, everyone is invited to a reception at Motts Military Museum, 5075 S. Hamilton Road.